Big 12 power rankings

1. Kansas State (4-0, 1-0)

Around these guys, “hype” is a four-letter word. That mentality—and a whole lot of Collin Klein up the gut—is the secret to the Wildcats’ success.

2. Texas (4-0, 1-0)

The Longhorns have the highest ceiling of any Big 12 team, but do they have the collective motor that’s required for a championship season? We’re dying to see how the most-talented defense in the league handles its business Saturday vs. Geno Smith and West Virginia.

3. West Virginia (4-0, 1-0)

You know dang well you and your 10 least-slovenly high school buddies could hang at least four or five touchdowns on Baylor. If the Mountaineers play pitch-and-catch all night long at Texas on Saturday, we’ll be duly impressed.

4. TCU (4-0, 1-0)

The Horned Frogs have yet to beat anybody good. They should be able to handle Iowa State on Saturday; then the schedule starts to toughen up.

5. Oklahoma (2-1, 0-1)

Coming off an open week, the Sooners have to make a big-time statement at 4-0 Texas Tech or else no one’s going to take them seriously as a Big 12 contender. Does this team have enough heart?

6. Baylor (3-1, 0-1)

After a 70-63 loss at West Virginia, the RG3 talk is officially irrelevant. It’s time instead to train our focus on the Bears’ defensive coordinator … assuming, that is, that they have one … ah, yes, here it is: Phil Bennett.

7. Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0)

So far, the Red Raiders are winning the Tommy Tuberville way: with a balanced offense and a defense that’s actually—imagine it—accountable for holding up its end of the bargain. And you thought Mike Leach was a mad genius.

8. Oklahoma State (2-2, 0-1)

A lack of star power on offense means a lack of finishing power in close games. And you know the Cowboys, with their abominable defense, will have to score again and again in the fourth quarters of many games this season just to have a chance.

9. Iowa State (3-1, 0-1)

Not surprising, the Cyclones are having trouble scoring touchdowns. They look pretty good between the 20s, though.

10. Kansas (1-3, 0-1)

That next win might not come until 2013. Sorry, Jayhawks fans, but it’s really starting to look that way.